By M S Nazki
The invisible God is the first and on the mother Earth Humanity is second! Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircass.Perhaps that is what this officer deserves a lot of respect for and his name is Amod Ashok Nagpure( IPS) presently in Udhampur!
-He just plucked a moment out of his busy schedule, got of his vehicle and went on to meet the street sweepers and after a handshake perhaps said, guys, If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward!
-But it has to be what is famously called “The Street Sweeper” or “What is Your Life’s Blueprint” that has had the biggest impact on me.
-He must have also said If it falls to you to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.
-If you can’t be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. But be the best little shrub on the side of the hill. Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.
-As a former landscaper, I still love being outside and working with the plants in my yard as well as in the yards of a few neighbors! One of the fascinating things I see in my landscaping is how some plants are fragile and easily damaged while others, like trees, are strong enough that you can use their wood to build a house. Yet all plants are made from a similar cell structure. The difference is due to something very, very small – the concentration of the cells found in trees is much higher than what is found in other plants. Small things can a make big difference in our leadership as well. Here are 6 small actions that can have an unexpectedly big impact. (From Major’s Diary)
-And the impact is the following:
-Exceeding someone’s expectations.
-Providing a word of encouragement.
– Performing an unplanned act of kindness.
-Sending a personal note.
-Giving a gift.
-Taking a moment to connect.
-This is what life is all about!
-In the context of the military/Police/Paramilitary Forces, “humanity” and an officer’s rank are not directly related in terms of a specific rank title. However, an officer’s rank is often associated with the level of responsibility and decision-making that impacts human lives and well-being, highlighting the importance of empathy and ethical considerations in military leadership.
-Rank and Responsibility: Ranks, from enlisted personnel to general officers, denote a hierarchy of authority and responsibility within the armed forces. Higher ranks typically involve greater leadership roles, strategic decision-making, and responsibility for the welfare of subordinates.
-Humanity in Leadership: While rank itself doesn’t equate to humanity, the execution of an officer’s duties at any level should be informed by ethical considerations and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of their troops and the civilians they may encounter.
-Beyond Rank: Ultimately, the demonstration of humanity within the military context is not solely dependent on rank, but rather on the individual’s character and commitment to ethical conduct, regardless of their position in the chain of command.
-Love for humans, in its broadest sense, encompasses various forms of affection, care, and benevolence towards other people. It can manifest as romantic love, familial love, platonic love, or even a more general sense of compassion and concern for humanity. This love, in its various forms, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, driving connection, cooperation, and overall well-being.
-Here’s a breakdown of different facets of love for humans:
-Love as a Biological and Social Imperative: Love is often seen as an innate human drive, crucial for survival and social bonding.
-It fosters cooperation, empathy, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for individual and collective flourishing.
-The human brain is wired for connection and empathy, suggesting a biological basis for love and its importance in our lives.
-Love as a Source of Strength and Resilience:
-Love provides a sense of security, validation, and emotional support, which can be particularly important during challenging times.
-It can boost self-esteem, motivation, and overall happiness.
-Love can inspire individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
-Love as an Expression of Care and Compassion: Love extends beyond personal relationships to encompass a broader sense of concern for the well-being of others.
-Acts of kindness, empathy, and generosity are expressions of this love for humanity.
-Philanthropy, or the love of humankind, involves actively working to improve the lives of others through charitable actions.
-The Complexity of Human Love: While love is often seen as a positive force, it can also be complex and challenging.
The Police officer Nagpure had well understood the word compassion when he advanced his hand to the two street sweepers! Obviously the latter would have been stunned and perhaps for the first time would have felt what warm hands full of love mean!
Compassion is fundamentally about recognizing and responding to the suffering of others with empathy and a desire to help. It involves feeling for others, understanding their pain, and being motivated to alleviate their suffering. Compassion extends beyond simple empathy, encompassing a desire to act and offer support or relief.
-Here’s a more detailed look at what compassion entails:
Recognizing suffering: Compassion begins with acknowledging that someone is experiencing pain, whether physical, emotional, or mental.
Empathy: This involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the person suffering.
Motivated action: Compassion drives a desire to help alleviate the suffering, going beyond mere sympathy.
Non-judgmental acceptance: Compassion means being able to tolerate the discomfort that another’s suffering can cause without judgment.
Universal application: Compassion extends to all people, regardless of their background, status, or relationship to us.
Positive impact: Practicing compassion can lead to improved relationships, greater happiness, and a more supportive community.
In essence, compassion is a powerful force that connects us to others and motivates us to make a positive difference in the world. It is a skill that can be developed and strengthened through intentional practice.